Nutter's 1st day: Come on in
Mayor-elect Michael Nutter, ever aware of the finest political detail, plans to celebrate the first full day of his administration by having a flood of regular Philadelphians walk through City Hall, winding up marble and granite stairwells to shake hands with the man who promised "a new day, a new way."
/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-pmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FEP2HGQFSNHVZJH2PMYEXF5WY4.jpg)
Mayor-elect Michael Nutter, ever aware of the finest political detail, plans to celebrate the first full day of his administration by having a flood of regular Philadelphians walk through City Hall, winding up marble and granite stairwells to shake hands with the man who promised "a new day, a new way."
He's not even calling his inaugural ball, scheduled for Jan. 7, an inaugural ball, but an inaugural "celebration" under the moniker "Philadelphia Realized." Don't come wearing a black tie, tux, tails, flowing ball gown or great-grandmother's string of pearls. Regular cocktail party attire is requested.
Anybody who can scratch up $50 for a ticket is invited - families and companies are limited to four tickets. The Cruise Ship Terminal at the Navy Yard, where the party is to be held, holds 2,000 people, so planners urge that those wishing to attend buy tickets by calling UpStages Box Office at 215-569-9700 soon.
Earlier on Jan. 7, Nutter and City Council will be sworn in at the Academy of Music. He also will swear in his cabinet in City Hall - a new event.
Jennifer Crandall, a Nutter spokeswoman, said Nutter wants his cabinet to be sworn in "because he feels they'll be serving the citizens as well."
On Jan. 8 - Nutter's first full day as mayor - he wants the public to come to City Hall and shake his hand. There will be free refreshments in an event tent in the courtyard.
"We're hoping people will get a feel for the new feel of City Hall," said Crandall.
Before all the pomp and hoopla, though, Nutter will hold an interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Thursday.
Inaugural Events
Interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Open to the public.
Jan. 7, 10 a.m.: Formal swearing-in ceremony at the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. Ticket-holders only.
Jan. 7, about 12:30 p.m.: Cabinet swearing-in ceremony in the Mayor's Reception Room, City Hall. Invitees only.
Jan. 7, about 1:30 p.m.: Mentorship luncheon, Rose Room, Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue hotel, 200 S. Broad St. Invitees only.
Jan. 7, 8 p.m.: Inaugural celebration, Cruise Ship Terminal, Navy Yard. Open to public, $50 tickets must be purchased in advance.
Jan. 8, 4-8 p.m.: City Hall open house; Courtyard, Conversation Hall, and the Mayor's Reception Room. Open to the public.